Refrigerating apparatus



May 1, 1934. E. A. REEVES 1,957,292

REFRIGERATING APPARATUS i Filed May 27, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet i INVENTOR. fag/N4. 1/55.

May 1, 1934., E. A REEvEs REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed May 27, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. [flW/A 4 FEE-v56 A ORNEY Patented May 1, 1934 UNITED STATES 1,957,292 REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Edwin A. Reeves, Milford, Conn., assignor to The Reeves Engineering Company, Milford, Gonm, a corporation of Connecticut Application May 27, 1932, Serial No. 613,809

22 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in refrigerating apparatus.

It is the object of the invention. among other things, to provide apparatus of this character, wherein the air within a refrigerating cabinet or the like may be maintained at a proper predetermined degree of relative humidity, through control of the volume of condensed moisture.

To these, and other ends, this invention consists of an improved apparatus, having certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the apparatus there are a plurality of units, through each of which extends a refrigerant conductor, around which an air current circulates, that is controlled and directed so as to sweep its entire exposed surface. This permits the use of a refrigerant of relatively low temperature without the accumulation of frost or ice upon exposed parts, and the moisture in the air is condensed to a predetermined degree without freezing, any excess of which drains off into a receptacle conveniently arranged to receive it.

In the drawings, illustrating one of the many forms which the invention may assume, like characters of reference indicate like parts in the several figures: wherein Y Figure '1 is a fragmentary side elevation'of one form of the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation thereof looking from the right of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of three of the operative units;

Figure 4 is a perspective detail view of one of the fins;

Figure 5 is a detail view of another form of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a sectional view thereof, the parts in section being taken generally upon line 6-6 of Figure 5.

. This particular type of device is usually associ-.- ated with a refrigerating cabinet or the like, and in its general structure. is a relatively small box or container, which is located in an out-of-theway corner of the cabinet, and through which the air within the cabinet circulates, its velocity being determined by a fan or the like, and one (Cl. 62103) I series of substantially parallel coils, into which the refrigerant enters at the inlet end 15 andescapes through the outlet end 16. This conductor I prefer to make elliptical in shape, substantially as shown in Fi ure 3. with its major axis substantially parallel with the path of movement of the current of air that moves thereagainst, although it may be round, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

A plurality of units are mounted in this container, and preferably arranged relatively. to each other, substantially as shown in Figure 3. Each unit comprises a plurality of fins17, which encircle the conductor, and are connected with each other by a plurality of substantially parallel bafile plates 18. The outer edges of these plates are substantially flush with the outer edges of the fins 1'1, and the inner ends project beyond the end of the conductor 14. -A portion of the bottom and top edges of the fins 17 are curved toward each other ,and substantially parallel with the conductor 14. They are all connected by the baflle plates 20, which are secured to these curved edges and in part are substantially opposite and parallel'with the ,conductor 14, and in part substantially parallel with the baflle plates 18.

The conductor and all of the fins and bafile platesare secured together by solder, brazin or the like.

Evaporating plates 21 rest upon the tops of the fins 17, the forward portion 22 of which projects upwardly at an incline, and terminates in a coil, through which is a rod 23, supported at its ends by walls of the container 10.

The fiat portion of the plate 21 is slightly inclined relatively to the fins 17, as shown in Figure 3, so as to facilitate drainage thereof.

As thus constructed and'assembled, a plurality of passages 24, 25 and 26, are provided, through which air is driven at a predetermined velocity by the fan 13. In passing through. these passages the air engages plates 18 and' 20, and is deflected thereby so as to sweep over the exterior of the conductor 14, and. passes outwardly, 100

at thejorward end of the several units, and upwardly over the inclined portions 22. As the refrigerant, whether a gas or liquid, passes through the conductor 14, at a comparatively low temperature, itabsorbs heat and the con- 105 the edge thereof into the bottom of the container 110 10, and is exhausted therefrom through the drain pipe 27 or the like.

The current of air passing over the evaporating plate 21 if not already saturated, absorbs the moisture thereon. Such current of air, however, if moving at great velocity, will move the accumulated moisture onthe evaporating plates 21 in the direction of the travel of the air, thus covering a larger area of the evaporating plate with moisture and facilitating the absorption process. Whether the moisture on the exterior of the conductor 14 freezes depends upon the temperature of the refrigerant. If too low, ice

'will form; if the degree of temperature of the refrigerant is predetermined, it merely condenses some moisture but does not freeze it.

With this invention, and with the refrigerant at a relatively low temperature, any accumulation of frost on conductor is or moisture in liq uid form, is prevented by the current of air passing thereover, which scours the same and removes such frost and moisture, because the moving air is kept in contact therewith by exterior elements, which deflect and return the air current to the conductor. Therefore, when the air is driven rapidly through the passages 24, 25 and 26, and over the conductor 14, very little condensation of the moisture takes place and the small amount of moisture which does condense drops to the evaporating plate 22, where it may be re-absorbed by the passing air. Operating in this way the device delivers cooled air at the greatest relative humidity of which it is capable.

However, if it is desired to deliver cooled air of less relative humidity, it is, of course, necessary to condense more of the moisture out of the passing air. For this purpose, deflecting or retarding devices are supplied to reduce the ve=' locity of the air current. As the air from the fan is at a velocity pressure and not a positive pressure, any deflecting device placed either between the fan and the channels formed by the evaporating plates 22 or any device placed in front of or in the channel which partly reduces its area, will cause the air to flow through this channel with less velocity than if such device were not used.

,One form of such device comprises the dampers 32 shown herein as four in number, which may be increased or reduced in number as desired. They are preferably perforated and located between the units and fan 13. With the dampers parallel with the air current they have no influence thereon, but when turned the air contacts therewith and some passes through the perforation, thereby reducing the quantity of air, and, of course, the velocity passing through the channels between the evaporating plates 22. I

The dampers may, if desired, be mounted upon the rods ,23 upon the opposite side of the units. These dampers will likewise retard the air currents and thereby reduce its velocity. In some cases it may seem desirable to install dampers somewhere inside the channel between plates 22, which, of course, would have the same effect.

Another form of the invention is particularly disclosed in Figures 5 and 6, wherein theconductor 28 is circular in cross section and surrounded by a plurality of spaced fins 29. Each of these fins is provided with a plurality of laterally projecting bailie plates 30 and 31 that are formed by bending a portion of the fin" laterally. The length of each plate is equal to the open space between the fins, thus the outer ends thereof contact with the adjacent fin.

Obviously, in this latter form, an elliptical conductor, such as shown in Figure 3, or any other shape conductor, may be used if desired, in lieu of the circular conductor 28, shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Plates 30 are substantially parallel with each other and with the path of movement of the air current therebetween. Plates 31 are at an angle to the plates 30 and in such a plane that the air current, after it passes between the plates 30, is deflected downwardly and around the conductor 28, passing out between the plates 31. In the prior art, the air current does not uniformly sweep or scour the entire exposed surface of the conductor. The air current contacts with the conductor and is deflected thereby and thereafter travels without its path being controlled. Thus, it sweeps over the top and bottom of the conductor and the divided air current leaves the conductor at the opposite side with a partial vacuum space therebetween. The result is that ice forms at this point and condenses the moisture instead of being redistributed through the air.

In this invention, such result is impossible, as the air current sweeps or scours the entire exterior of the conductor, because kept in contact therewith by exterior elements which deflect and return the aircurrent to the conductor deflected thereby.

Minor changes and alterations may be made within my invention, aside from those herein suggested, and I would therefore have it understood, that I do not limit myself to the exact construction herein shown and described, but claim all that falls fairly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: a

1. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container; of a 115 refrigerant conductor; a plurality of units within the container, each unit being composed of aplurality of spaced fins upon the outside of the refrigerant conductor; a plurality of battle plates between. the fins, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant conductor that the air current is caused to contact with the refrigerant conductor and sweep the entire exterior thereof between the fins; and an evaporating element between each unit.

2. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container; of a refrigerant conductor; a plurality of units within the container, each unit being composed of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside of the refrigerant conductor; a plurality of baffle plates between the fins, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant conductor that the air current is caused to contact with the refrigerant conductor and sweep the entire exterior thereof between the fins; and an evaporating element between each unit, having a portion thereof substantially parallel with the unit and a portion at an angle relatively thereto.

3. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof and a plurality of spaced baffle plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins at opposite ends of the refrigerant cen- 1.35 ductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the baffle plates and fins forming confining passages for the air current to pass therethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant conductor; and means for controlling the velocity of the air 15% Mil through the passages without entirely cutting off the air current.

4. .In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant con ductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof and a plurality of spaced baflle plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the baffie plates and fins forming confining passages for the air current to pass therethrough and engage with and'sweep over the refrigerant conductor; and means for controlling the velocity of the air through the passages without entirely cutting off the air current, comprising one or more shutters.

5. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof and a plurality of spaced baflle plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins, at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the baffle plates and fins forming confining passages for the air current to passtherethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant conductor; and means for controlling the velocity of the air through the passages without entirely cutting off the air current,-comprising one or more perforated shutters. I

6. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination witha refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of spaced bafile plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the fins and bafile plates forming confining passages for the air current to pass therethrough and engage with and swe p over the refrigerant conductor. 7. In a ref igerating apparatus of the character described, the, combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; a plurality of spaced baflle plates between the fins, and positioned upon each side of the opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor, the baflle plates being positioned in advance of the refrigerant conductor and others adjacent to that end thereof opposite tothe point where the air current first engages therewith, some of the air passages-directing the current of air so that it passes over the first mentioned bafile plates without contacting with the refrigerant conductor and engaging the second of said baflle plates and directed into the confining passages therebetween and said refrigerant conductor.

8. In a refrigerating apparatus, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof which in part are in front of the refrigerant conductor; and a plurality of bafile plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins arranged partially in front of the refrigerant conductor, the baflie plates and fins forming confining passages for the air current to pass therethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant conductor. 1

9. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of baflle plates that extend across the open spaces between said fins, some of which are so arranged relative to the refrigerant conductor that a portion thereof are in advance of the refrigerant conductor and a acter described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of spaced baffle plates that extend across the open spaces between said fins at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, some of said baflle plates being so arranged that they are adjacent to the refrigerant conductor at thatv end thereof opposite the point where the air current first engages therewith and whereby an open space or passage is formed between the refrigerant conductor and bafile plates to cause the air to pass therebetween and sweep over the exterior of the refrigerant conductor.

11. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of spaced baiile plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant conductor'that the air current is caused to contact with the refrigerantconductor and sweep the entire exterior of the refrigerant conductor between the fins.

12. In a refrigerating apparatus of the cha. acter described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of bafile plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant. conductor that the air currentjs caused to contact with the refrigerant conductor and sweep the entire exterior of the refrigerant conductor between the fins, some of the baffle plates being positioned so as to be in part in advance of the refrigerant conductor.

13. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof; and a plurality of baffle plates conductor, and others adjacent to that end of the refrigerant conductor opposite to the point where the air current first engages therewith.

14. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof, each of the fins having an integrally outwardly turned portion that form baflie plates that extend across the open space between the fins, thereby defining the path of the air current passing between the fins.

15. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a. container; of a refrigerant conductor; a plurality of-units within the container, each unit being composed of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside of the refrigerant conductor; a plurality of baffle plates within the fins, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant conductor that the air current is caused to contact with the refrigerant conductor and sweep the entire exterior thereof between the fins; an evaporating element between each unit and extending beyond the end thereof; and means between the evaporating elements for controlling the velocity of the air current.

16. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container; of a refrigerant conductor; a plurality of units within the container, each unit being composed of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside of theirefrigerant conductor; and a plurality of baffle plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins, so arranged relatively to the refrigerant conductor that the air current is caused to contact with the refrigerant conductor and sweep the entire exterior thereof between the fins.

17. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, having a refrigerant conductor with substantially straight parallel portions and end connections so as to form a continuous passage therethrough for a refrigerant; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside of each of said parallel portions; and a plurality of spaced balile plates that extend across the open spaces between the fins, positioned at the ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the baffle plates and fins forming confiningpassages for an air current that is directed thereby so as to sweep over the exterior of said parallel portions of the refrigerant conductor.

18. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, having a refrigerant conductor with substantially straight parallel portions and end connections so as to form a continuous passage therethrough for a refrigerant; of a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside of each of said parallel portions; and a plurality of spaced baffle plates between the fins positioned at the ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, the baffle plates and fins forming confining passages for an air current that is directed thereby so as to sweep over the exterior of said parallel portions of the refrigerant conductor, the fins and baflle plates around each of said parallel portions, constituting a unit independent of the unit upon the adjacent parallel portion.

19. In a refrigerating apparatus of the charmemes acter described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins and baflie plates upon the outside thereof, so arranged that the baffie plates and fins form confining passages for an air current to pass therethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant conductor, said baffle plates on one side of the refrigerant conductor being positioned with an open space between the adjacent ends thereof, which open space is between the opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor.

20. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; of a plurality of spaced fins and bafiie plates upon the outside thereof, so arranged that the bafiie plates and fins form confining passages for an air current to pass therethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant con-v ductor, said baffie plates being positioned with an open space between the adjacent ends thereof, which open space is between the opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor.

21. In a refrigerating apparatus of the char-v acter described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; and a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof, each of the fins having spaced baffle plates projecting laterally therefrom at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, each baffle plate extending across the open space to the next fin,

some of said baffle plates being at an angle to other bafile plates and adjacent to the refrigerant conductor opposite the point where the air current first engages therewith.

22. In a refrigerating apparatus of the character described, the combination with a refrigerant conductor; and a plurality of spaced fins upon the outside thereof, each of the fins having spaced baffle plates projecting laterally therefrom at opposite ends of the refrigerant conductor and upon opposite sides thereof, each baflie plate ex tending across the open space to the next fin, the fins and baffle plates forming confining passages for the air current to pass therethrough and engage with and sweep over the refrigerant conductor; and means for controlling the velocity of the air through said passages without entirely cutting off the air current.

EDWIN A. REEVES. 

